The Responsibility of Translating Marcus Aurelius | David Hernández de la Fuente
Jun 1, 2024
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David Hernández de la Fuente, translator of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, discusses the responsibility of translators, Seneca's legacy as a Spanish Stoic, and making Stoicism accessible. They explore the challenges of translating ancient texts, humor in philosophy, and the influence of philosophy on literature and public discourse.
Reading attentively is vital, as Marcus Aurelius emphasizes, to grasp deeper meanings and avoid superficial understanding.
Maintaining a detached perspective on life's challenges is crucial, according to Marcus Aurelius, to stay rational and balanced amidst turmoil.
The era of ancient philosophers, led by Marcus Aurelius, sparked a profound shift towards introspection, critical thinking, and self-awareness.
Deep dives
The Importance of Teaching and Learning
Learning to read attentively and not settling for just the gist of it is crucial, as Marcus Aurelius points out in meditations. He credits his thorough reading habits to Rusticus and acknowledges the significance of not falling for every smooth talker. Being introduced to Epictetus's lectures and understanding their teachings, Marcus emphasizes the transformative power of education and the guidance of wise mentors.
The 10,000-Foot View of Life
Marcus Aurelius encourages taking a detached perspective on life's challenges, symbolized by the imagery of watching people run and fight for a mere piece of bread. By elevating oneself to a higher vantage point to observe the trivial pursuits of others, he stresses the importance of not being swayed by insignificant disturbances but instead maintaining a balanced and rational outlook.
The Revolutionary Era of Wisdom
Marcus Aurelius, alongside other philosophical luminaries of antiquity, marked a transformative era of wisdom characterized by a shift towards introspection and critical thinking. The axial era heralded a reevaluation of human existence, where individuals like Marcus proposed a more profound engagement with life's philosophical inquiries, challenging conventional thought and inspiring a renewed focus on self-awareness and enlightenment.
Comedy and Satire in Philosophy
Ancient philosophers, including Marcus Aurelius, engaged in comedic satire and humor, demonstrating that wisdom and laughter are not mutually exclusive. Playful anecdotes about philosophers like Seneca and Socrates reveal the human complexities and idiosyncrasies within these esteemed figures, shedding light on the lighter, more relatable aspects of their teachings.
Shaping Lives Through Wisdom and Mentorship
The mentorship dynamic between master and student, exemplified by figures like Seneca and Nero, underscores the transformative impact of philosophical guidance. While Nero's reluctance to heed Seneca's teachings led to tragic consequences, Marcus Aurelius' receptiveness to the influence of his mentors highlights the profound role of education and mentorship in shaping individuals' paths and perspectives.
Today, Ryan is joined by David Hernández de la Fuente, the translator behind the Spanish edition of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Together, they talk about the responsibility of a translator, Seneca’s legacy as a Spanish Stoic, sharing Marcus’ work with new audiences, and the renaissance of Stoicism.
David is a writer and professor of Greek philology at the University of Madrid. He brings a refreshingly positive perspective on Stoicism to the academic world, as he shares in the article: Stoicism is back: This is the ‘slave doctrine’ to understand today’s bosses and employees.